Press release

Congressman
Brian Higgins, NY-26, announced Thursday that U.S. Department of Homeland
Security Secretary Janet Napolitano was to sign a memorandum of understanding with
Canada authorizing two phases of primary inspections of commercial cargo in
Canada, including one at the Peace Bridge in Buffalo.

"The
economic future of Western New York will be linked to our integration with
Canada," said Higgins, a member of the House of Representatives committees on
homeland security and foreign affairs, as well as the U.S.-Canada
Inter-Parliamentary Group. "The Beyond the Border Action Plan was symbolic of
that, and this agreement is a concrete step in that direction."

The
MOU is a codification of commitments in the Beyond the Border Action Plan,
which originally authorized the pilots to take place. Phase one will take place
in Blaine, Wash. Phase two will be at the Peace Bridge in Buffalo.

Phase
one, the Blaine pilot, will operate for a period up to six months, for as long
as 18 months. It is expected that, after those six months have been completed,
the agencies will assess and determine whether and how to proceed to phase two
at the Peace Bridge. The Peace Bridge pilot will test the feasibility of
decreasing wait times by conducting primary inspections in Canada. It is
estimated that the pilot at the Peace Bridge could commence in 2014.

This
is just the latest effort to improve the flow of goods and people across the northern
border. Last week, Higgins joined Gov. Andrew Cuomo in announcing a $22 million
project to improve the gateway at the Peace Bridge, which will involve
restoration of Olmsted's Front Park and reconfiguration of the plaza. In
addition, the Peace Bridge Authority and New York State Department of
Transportation will begin work this year on a $20 million project to construct
a new U.S. Customs commercial building.